To upgrade to a new version of CamLynx®, you must first uninstall any previous version using Windows® Add/Remove Programs from the Control Panel. Once it is uninstalled, reboot your machine and follow the steps for Installing CamLynx® found below. (Add/Remove Programs only removes installed system files. Any custom templates and graphics will remain.)

Installing CamLynx®

Insert your CamLynx CD and the installations menu should automatically appear. If the installation does not start automatically, open the CD and run the SETUP file. A simple procedure will guide you through the installation.

When the installation is complete, a CamLynx icon will appear on the Windows desktop and there will be a new item in the Windows Start menu under Programs – PhotoLynx – CamLynx.

Camera Support

Canon D30, Foveon II, Fuji S1, Nikon D1, and Kodak Professional cameras (All Functional)

If you are using any of these cameras, install the camera software prior to running CamLynx. Make sure the camera software is set to save all captured images into the CamLynx Hot folder (refer to the Quick Start Preferences section of this manual for information on selecting a Hot Folder).

PhotoLynx is working on direct connections to most of these cameras, which will allow CamLynx to access each camera’s memory directly and will improve image file transfer speeds.

Olympus E-10 Cameras (In Production)

PhotoLynx has purchased an Olympus E10 and is testing features to determine whether this camera can be directly cabled to a laptop. Olympus engineers have indicated to our engineers that connecting an E-10 directly to a computer is not possible. We are testing it now.

TWAIN Compliant and Digital Video Cameras (Functional)

Any camera that supports TWAIN or digital video can interface with CamLynx. TWAIN is too slow for professional cameras, but for low-resolution digital cameras for ID card production the TWAIN interface will be sufficient. The Kodak DVC-325 is often used for on-site production.

Quick Start

The following procedures will step you through the initial setup of CamLynx after installation.

Activating CamLynx^®

To use CamLynx^®, each computer requires activation. Each CamLynx^® computer produces a "serialization file" specific to the computer on which it is installed. To activate CamLynx^®, a serialization file must be emailed to Activation@PhotoLynx.com. You will receive an "activation file" to activate your CamLynx^® station. For more information on activation refer to Appendix A.

Setting up CamLynx^® for “First-Time” Use

CamLynx^® Preferences will appear the first time CamLynx^® is run. Otherwise, the Preferences are set from the File menu on the Main Screen. The following preferences must be set before proceeding.

1. Set your Search Fields.

If you are using student data from PhotoLynx School Pictures Software, set the top search field on the main CamLynx screen to the field called Record Number. If you are using a custom data file, set the top search field to the field that you will search on.

The second search field is used for searches where the search field is not unique. For example, students are coming to the camera by class and you want to look them up by their last name. One search field is set to the field Teacher, and the other search field is set to the field Last Name. The teacher’s name is entered next to the Teacher field (i.e. Mr. McCain) and then the last name is entered into the Last Name search field.

Go to File and choose Preferences.

Select the Folders tab.

Match your CamLynx® Hot folder and your camera’s Photo Save folder. Set your folders to match the screen shot above.

Note: The Photos folder must be unique for every job. The default folder of C:\Program Files\PhotoLynx\CamLynx\Photos is used for samples installed during the installation procedure. Each time a new job is started, a new folder should be created. To select a new folder, click on the current directory path. A folder for Jefferson High School’s first picture day might be called:

C:\Program Files\PhotoLynx\CamLynx\Photos\JHS1.

Select the Data Display tab.

Choose the fields you would like to display on the main screen.
Select the Print Settings tab.

In the RipIt Server area, check the Print to RipIt checkbox if you will be printing packages from CamLynx®.
In the Print to Image area, select the Print To Image checkbox if you will be printing to an image file. Set the file path to send your printed templates to when the Print button is clicked on the main screen. Select the file number and the image file format.
In the Printers area, select your primary printer if you will be printing to a printer. The secondary printer is for printing multiple services simultaneously on-site (like a PVC ID card and a color proof sheet).

Select the Fields and Images tab.

a. Main Image- When CamLynx^® saves the selected photo(s); the first photo selected is saved in this field. (For PhotoLynx^® School Pictures Software users, this is set to Image Name).

b. First image- When CamLynx^® saves the selected photo(s) the first photo selected is saved in this field. The field following this field contains the second selected image and so forth. (For SPS users, set to Custom 1).

c. Package entry- This field will be populated with the package data for the record.

d. Quick edit- This field can be edited with a single keystroke by pressing [F12].

Note: This field must be added to the data display fields to function.

e. Sequence # -This field contains the sequence number generated when CamLynx® saves a record.

Note: This feature can be activated from Data menu on the main screen.

f. Next Sequence # - Is the next sequential number to be saved in the sequence number field.

12. In the Reports tab, fields need to be selected to be displayed in reporting out of CamLynx®. Currently, the only reports that CamLynx® can print are a ‘Shot’ and ‘Not-Shot’ list. More reports are coming.

13. Click the OK button on the bottom of the Preferences window to save these settings.

Familiarity with the CamLynx® Main Window

PhotoLynx® CamLynx® has a very straight-forward user interface. Across the top, you have a standard set of menus containing all functions of the system.

File Menu

Explanation of the ‘File’ menu:

Preferences – contains information for customizing data saving options (described in detail earlier in this manual.
Edit Template – Loads the template being previewed into the PhotoLynx® template builder (the template builder is described in great detail in an online tutorial available from our website at www.photolynx.com/upgrades/downloads/tutorials/proserv.htm).

Refresh Template List – If any changes are made to a template in CamLynx®, or if a new template is created and added to the list, you must select this option before the changes will be manifested.
Exit – Quits the program.

Data Menu

Explanation of Data Menu:

New – Removes any data currently loaded into the system and loads an empty data file (users will be given the option to save the current data before clearing). After selecting New CamLynx® preferences will be restored to allow users to customize the preferences for the new job.
Load Data File – Imports data into CamLynx®.
Save Data File – Saves your progress.
Add a Data Field – Allows users to place new fields for data storage after the original data file has been created (users will be asked to specify if the new field is a text field, or not).
Delete a Data Field – Allows users to remove existing data fields and their contents.
Enable Sequence Numbering – If incremental sequence numbers (denoting shot order) are warranted, this is where that option is toggled.
Enable Auto-Insert – When enabled, if data is entered into the search fields which are not currently found in the loaded data, CamLynx® will create a new data record and populate the selected search field with the entered data. If it is disabled and data is entered that does not match, the following window appears:

Select Packages – Allows users to enter package information at the time of the shoot based on the loaded package program.
Set Density Compensation – Allows users to assign a value to the data record to signify if compensation for the density of the image will be required.

Imaging Menu

Explanation of Imaging Menu:

Get Image – Opens a streaming interface from digital video capture devices to retrieve still images.
Enable Quick View – Opens a full-screen preview of captured images as they are placed in the Hot Folder.
Lock Settings – Places password protection on the ability to modify package programs and image settings (default password is camlynx).
Twain Select – Allows selection of Twain compatible device drivers.
Enable Proofing Mode – When enabled, creates the ability to save multiple poses (for proof sheets and such) without selecting each image individually. In other words, every time you save a record, it will purge the Hot Folder and save all images in it to the current record. Additionally, it will not allow users to advance to the next record until the Hot Folder has been cleared, either by saving (F7) or deleting (Ctrl-Delete).
Save Raw Photos – If checked, when images are saved, they will be moved from the Hot Folder to the Save Photos Folder without any changes being applied to the images.
Backup Raw Photos – If checked, when images are saved, they will be moved from the Hot Folder to the Save Photos Folder and a copy of the original image will be saved to the Backup Photos Folder.
Enable [camera name] – Enables the direct connect feature to the selected device, if a direct connect is available and the correct drivers are installed.

Print Menu

Explanation of Print Menu:

Single Print – Prints record currently displayed in the template being previewed.
Batch Print – Allows users to select a range of records to print in the template being previewed.
Card Hopper Alarm Reset – Resets the alarm that displays when the Card Hopper is low on cards.
Ribbon Change Alarm Reset – Resets the alarm that displays when the printer ribbon is low.
Auto Print – If checked, when images are saved they will be sent automatically to the printer.
Enable Event Mode – When printing, users will be prompted for a number of copies of the template to be printed.

Export Menu

Explanation of Export Menu:

Set max. MB/per image folder. – (###) MB – When images are being exported, they will be placed in separate folders based on file size set here for ease in CD burning.
Export Images & data – Exports all saved data and images to a new folder for CD burning. Any records with no images saved to them will not be exported. Users will be given the option to move the data and images or simply copy them.
Create ImageMatch Job – Creates an .mdb from which ImageMatch can operate and a folder containing the images which is associated with the database.

Reports Menu

Explanation of Reports Menu:

Create Shot List – Prints a list of which records have been saved with images. Fields to be printed are selected from the Preferences > Reports tab.
Create Not Shot List – Prints a list of which records have not been saved with images. Fields to be printed are selected from the Preferences > Reports tab.

Help Menu

Explanation of Help Menu:

Check Web for Updates – If connected to the internet, CamLynx® will connect to the PhotoLynx® website and compare the version number of the software running against the latest version that’s been uploaded to PowerUpdate.
About – Contains product information, version number, and activation information.

Standard CamLynx® Operating Procedures

Prior to CamLynx® Picture day

Import a subject roster into PhotoLynx^® School Pictures Software (SPS)
Optionally, add blank records to SPS to account for subjects not on the roster.
Print barcode labels or camera cards for all subjects.
Export subject information to text file to be used in CamLynx^®.
Load the text file into all CamLynx^® computers (one computer for each camera).
If packages are to be entered, define the programs (package configurations) in CamLynx^®.
Copy Programs created in previous step to all CamLynx^®computers.
Create a “Photos Folder” on each CamLynx^® computer where subject photos will be saved (this folder should be different for every school/shoot).
Set the Photos Folder in Preferences to match the folder created in the previous step.

CamLynx^® Picture Day: Preparation

Run the camera software or enable the CamLynx^® direct connect for that camera.
If you’re running software that came with the camera, set the camera image save folder to be the same as the CamLynx^® hot folder.
If using SPS data, make sure the Preferences Search field is set to: Record Number.
Distribute barcode labels or camera cards to subjects.

CamLynx^® Picture Day: Taking Pictures

Press [F3] or place the cursor in Search field on the CamLynx^® main screen.
When a subject comes to the CamLynx^® computer to be photographed, swipe the barcode. (The subject’s data will appear).
If student has ordered packages, press [F8] - press [A], [B], [C] etc. to add package(s), [Shift]+[A], [B], [C] to reduce quantity, or using the mouse, Left-Click to select and increment, Right-Click to select and decrement.

Note: If using a barcode Package sheet, select Barcode Package entry from the package entry screen [F8].

Take picture. Once image appears (approximately 3-11 seconds), verify quality of photo.
Click on photo to select.
Press [F7] to Save record (cursor will return to the Search field).
Repeat steps 2-6 until all students have been photographed.

CamLynx^® Job Export for ImageMatch

After your shoot is completed, go to Export then to Create an ImageMatch job. Map your CamLynx^® fields to the corresponding ImageMatch field. This is done by clicking in the CamLynx^® field and simply selecting the new field. After you are done click OK. Select your export folder and click OK. You will then be prompted to enter job name. CamLynx® will Process the data and images to one or multiple folders depending on job size. The contents of these folder(s) will be burned to your storage media and sent to the lab. Activate CamLynx® on your computer. Refer to Appendix A for activation instructions.

Back at the Lab/Studio (perform these steps for each CamLynx®computer after shoot)

In CamLynx®_, create an ImageMatch Save Job (from the Export menu). This will format all subject photos and data into folders for burning to CD.
Run PhotoLynx® ImageMatch and Load CamLynx®Job (this utility will prompt for the CDs created in step #1).
If multiple CamLynx®computers were used, load all jobs into a single ImageMatch job. (Images and data should already be aligned.)

Appendices

Appendix A: Activation

CamLynx® must be activated before it can be used. When CamLynx® is run for the first time, the activation screen will appear. Once CamLynx® has been activated, the main CamLynx® screen will be displayed.

Each CamLynx® computer produces a "serialization file" specific to the computer on which it is installed. To activate CamLynx® on a computer, CamLynx® must first be installed and then a serialization file is e-mailed to PhotoLynx® technical support at Activation@PhotoLynx.com PhotoLynx® will then e-mail back an "activation file" to activate CamLynx®.

Step #1: Run CamLynx® and the following activation screen will appear.

Step #2: Fill in the five fields containing the business name, the contact, a phone number, the email and the name given to the computer on which CamLynx® is installed.

Step #3: Select the Create Serialization File option from the File menu.
Note: A serialization file must be emailed to PhotoLynx® for EACH computer you are activating.

Step #4: Copy the serialization file to a floppy diskette or to a folder on your computer. This file will have a .SER extension.

Step #5: Attach the serialization file to email and e-mail it to Activation@PhotoLynx.com
Note: PhotoLynx gives the highest priority to activating systems, but it never hurts to
call us once you’ve e-mailed us the Serialization file to let us know to look for it.

Step #6: After receiving your activation e-mail back from PhotoLynx®, copy the attached activation file to a floppy diskette or copy it to a folder on your CamLynx® computer.

Step #7: Run CamLynx® and click on the Activation button in the Help About menu.

Step #8: Select the Load Activation File option from the File menu.

Step #9: Load the Activation file from the floppy disk (or other storage media).

Once your system has been properly activated, you should immediately see the number of days for the activation and the Print button should also be active.

1. PhotoLynx® School Pictures Software is used by the photographer to import rosters received from the school and print bar-coded camera cards or barcode labels for picture day.

2. Camera cards, or envelopes are returned in order photographed and student order information is entered into PhotoLynx® School Pictures Software. The packages offered for any type of school or sport work are 100% customizable by the photographer.

3. CamLynx is used on-site with a digital camera. A barcode is scanned just after, or just before, taking a student’s picture(s). CamLynx associates the image files with the student data and a service can be printed immediately. When used in combination with PhotoLynx® ImageMatch, CamLynx aids in the production of on-site image CDs for over 60 cafeteria, library, administrator, yearbook publisher and attendance systems.

4. Once order information has been entered by the photographer, into School Pictures Software, a diskette (or e-mail) containing student order information is sent to the lab. For maximum automation, the lab would also runs a copy of School Pictures Software.

5. After importing data from the photographer in the “field”, the lab transfers the School Pictures Software data into its internal system to automate order tracking and production.

6. After the film has been edited and scanned, the same student information is transferred into PhotoLynx® ImageMatch for alignment and preparation for digital production.

7. PhotoLynx® ImageMatch exports the aligned image and student information to any image CD format for school office, library, cafeteria or yearbook use. School Image Software is one of over 40 image CD formats created using PhotoLynx® ImageMatch.

8. PhotoLynx® ImageMatch then exports aligned image information to digital production systems such as the PhotoLynx’s ProServices and ProComposites.

CamLynx® can function independently of all other PhotoLynx® systems; however, the greatest value is to use CamLynx® in combination with PhotoLynx® School Pictures Software, PhotoLynx® ImageMatch, PhotoLynx® ProServices, PhotoLynx® ProComposites, and PhotoLynx® School Image Software.

Appendix B: Upgrading CamLynx®

CamLynx® can update all system features, templates, graphics and support files at the click of a button. The “Check Web for Updates” button on the CamLynx® Help menu automatically checks the PhotoLynx web site for upgrades to CamLynx®, downloads the upgrade, installs the upgrade and registers any necessary support files.

For computers without a direct connection to the Internet, CamLynx® upgrades will be posted in the Customer Support section of the PhotoLynx® web site for download.

Appendix C: Loading a Data File

CamLynx® imports a comma-delimited text file. The same file format is used when importing into PhotoLynx® ImageMatch. An example import data file called CamLynx.txt is provided in the \Program Files\PhotoLynx\CamLynx\Data directory. An import file looks like this:

12345

PhotoLynx High School

Firstname, Lastname, Teacher, Grade, Room, Student ID, Image Name

Chris, Burton, Mrs. Dubois, 4, 222, 9892398,

Christian, Perry, Mrs. Dubois, 4, 222, 9938948,

Notice that the first two lines of this example contain ‘job’ information. The first line is normally the job number and the second line is the job description. The third line is the “header” record, which defines the field structure for the data file. A header record on the third line is essential! However, the job information on the first two lines can be left blank.

Appendix D: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are the camera options on the Imaging Menu not active?

A: Those options represent “direct-connect” interfaces that are not yet complete.

Appendix E: Upgrade and Support Policy

Upgrades of all PhotoLynx systems will be available on a regular basis to registered studios and labs. Unlimited technical support for registered users is part of the yearly license. All PhotoLynx systems are licensed on a yearly basis starting from the date the system was originally licensed.

In addition to receiving upgrades directly from PhotoLynx, the PhotoLynx web site at www.photolynx.com will immediately contain upgrades, as they become available. There is also an option from the Help menu of all systems called PowerUpdate. The PowerUpdate feature will check the current version of your systems against the version that is currently posted on the web and update if necessary.

Appendix F: CamLynx Troubleshooting guide

CAMLYNX TERMINOLOGY DEFINED

GENERAL

Subject Record –The record that pertains to a particular student

Direct Connection-A direct interface from camera to CamLynx, without the camera software running.

Tethered / Untethered –Having the camera “attached” to the computer, or not, via firewire or usb.

Firewire - Originally developed by Apple Computer, is a high-speed serial technology, similar to USB except much faster (although USB 2.0 may become a competitor), reaching speeds of up to 400 megabits per second, fast enough to transfer digital video.

USB- originally designed to be a slim-line, universal single Plug and Play replacement connector for slow speed devices like mice and keyboards, but it quickly expanded to include modems, scanners, digital cameras and printers, etc.

THE MAIN SCREEN

Data Display Area-The bottom left portion of the CamLynx main screen. This is where the current data record is displayed.

Navigation Buttons- These are buttons you will use to move through the program.

Status Display Area-The middle left portion of the CamLynx main screen. Displays the current functions, you have turned on.( I.e.; Proofing mode or twain enabled)

Template Display Area- The bottom right portion of the CamLynx main screen. Displaying the current template.

Image Queue-Also referred to as the thumbnailer. This is where your images will come up after the point of capture.

PREFERENCES AND SETTINGS

Hot Folder- The “Transfer station” between your camera and CamLynx (Match your Hot folder and your camera Photo folder.)

Photos Folder- where subject photos will be saved (this folder should be different for every school/event)

Photos Backup Folder- The folder you set in preferences to store a backup of your photos.

PROBLEM/CAUSE/SOLUTION

IMAGE ISSUES

Problem: Images are not appearing in the Queue.

Cause: Camera is not properly communicating with either the capture software, or with CamLynx®.

Solution:

1. Close camera capture software.

2. Turn the camera on and make sure it is in the right mode for tethered capture.

3. Check your cable connections to the camera (they are easily pulled loose on some cameras).

4. Restart your camera software (not CamLynx®, the software that came with your camera).

5. Make sure the camera’s save folder is set to the CamLynx® hot folder.

Problem: Image Names not saving in the correct field.

Cause: Main Image field is not selected properly.

Solution:

1. Go to File > Preferences

2. Select the Fields & Images tab.

3. Make sure Main Image is set to the correct image field (for SPS users, this is the Image Name field).

Problem: I’ve saved the wrong images by mistake.

Cause: Oops, human error.

Solution:

1. If you are shooting tethered, you would take another shot of the student and save again to over-write the incorrect image.

-or-

1. If you are shooting untethered, using Windows® Explorer, physically cut the image file from your Save Photos Folder and paste it back into your Hot Folder.

2. In CamLynx®, restore the student’s record and select the image.

3. Press the [F7] key or press the Save button on the CamLynx® main window to save.

Problem: I have multiple images of a subject and in saving I’ve accidentally overwritten the previous image for this subject.

Cause: Oops again, human error.

Solution:

1. Using Windows® Explorer, physically cut the image from the Save Photos Folder and paste it into the Hot Folder.

2. In CamLynx®, select the first image, depress the [Ctrl] key and click on any subsequent images.

3. Press the [F7] key or press the Save button on the CamLynx® main window to save.

Problem: A full-screen preview appears each time an image is added to the queue.

Cause: Quick-View is enabled.

Solution:

1. Go to Imaging > Enable Quick View

2. When there is no check-mark displayed next to that option, you will not receive a full-screen preview when images are added to the hot folder.

TEMPLATE ISSUES

Problem: Student images are not appearing in the template preview.

Cause: Images are not saved to the data record, or the template is configured improperly.

Solution:

1. Hit [F7] to save.

-or-

1. Go to File > Edit Template

2. Check the image object in the template builder to verify that the data field from which the image is being drawn is set to the correct field within the data record.

3. Save your progress and exit the template builder.

4. Go to File > Refresh Template List

Problem: Student images in the template are displaying rotated the wrong way.

Cause: Images are not rotated correctly.

Solution:

1. Right-Click on the an image in the queue.

2. Select a rotation from the rotation pull down menu on the right-side of the Image Settings screen.

-or-

1. Go to File > Edit Template

2. Select the image object and set the rotation from the object tools window in the Template Builder.

DATA ISSUES

Problem: When I scan a barcode, CamLynx® is not retrieving the subject’s record.

Cause: CamLynx is not recognizing the entered barcode as valid searchable data.

Solution:

1. Make sure you have a data file loaded.

2. Check the search field to ensure that it is set to the same field from which the barcode information was created.

3. Make sure the cursor is blinking in the display window to the right of the search field selection area.

-or-

1. Open Microsoft® WordPad and scan a few barcodes to ensure that the barcode reader is operating correctly.

2. In CamLynx® press Shift+[F3] to display all records and try the barcode again.

If the problem is not corrected, type the search criteria into the search field box and continue shooting. After shoot, contact PhotoLynx® support and the issue will be addressed.

Problem: The data display area is not showing the correct fields.

Cause: The data display fields are not correctly selected.

Solution:

1. Go to File > Preferences

2. Select the Data Display tab.

3. Select which fields you want displayed from the left side and move them to the right side.

4. Alternately, move all fields that you don’t want to be displayed from the right to the left.

5. Click [OK].

OTHER ISSUES

Problem: When I save my records, sequential sequence numbers aren’t being written to the data record.

Cause: Sequence numbering has not been enabled.

Solution:

1. Go to File > Preferences

2. In the Fields & Images tab, make sure that the Sequence # field is set to the field in your data record in which you want your sequence numbers to be stored (for SPS users, this is the Sequence Number field).

3. Click [OK].

4. Go to Data > Enable Sequence Numbering

STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU CANNOT SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM

1. Go to File > Preferences and check your default settings.

2. Restart your computer and load the camera capture software again.

3. Refer to your User’s Manual (the latest version of the manuals for PhotoLynx® systems can be found at www.photolynx.com).

4. Check to make sure you have the latest update.

5. Email your software vendor with detailed steps on how to produce the problem.

6. Call your software vendor with detailed steps on how to produce the problem.

Appendix G: Shooting Tethered vs. Shooting Untethered

CamLynx®, PhotoLynx’s digital capture software, can be used both tethered to a computer and untethered. This document discusses when and how to use CamLynx® for various events.

The commentary sections in this document are provided by a representative of a Marco Photo Services, a digital lab, who supports clients in the field using CamLynx® for digital capture.

WHEN TO SHOOT UNTETHERED (NO COMPUTER ON-SITE)

When you have no roster prior to picture day

Without a roster, it will be necessary to do post-shoot data entry anyway, so tethering to a computer will not enable you to link the images to subject data. It is an option to create unique barcodes for each envelope and link images to bar-coded envelopes in shot order, but post data entry of subject information must still be done.

When shooting outdoors

Problems like unpredictable weather, the need to move around a lot and providing power for a computer are key reasons why outdoor shoots (like most sports) do not lend themselves to tethered photography.

Advantages of Untethered Photography

It’s Less Expensive – No computer and no computer operator

Simplifies Picture Day – The photographer can concentrate on taking pictures.

Commentary: I don’t think these advantages can be emphasized enough in terms of where they rank in the mind of the customer. Less expense literally means a reduction of cost by 50% per setup. Simplicity means that they train their photography teams to use the camera and keep the camera cards in order. The learning curve is flattened by not shooting tethered.

Disadvantages of Untethered Photography

Post-Data Entry – Subject data and package information must be entered off an envelope or proof sheet at some time post shoot.

Delayed Shipment to the lab – Only after subject data has been entered, including package selection, can shipping a job to the lab take place.

No On-site Production – Without a computer to align images and data at the shoot it is not possible to produce services like ID cards, proof sheets or even packages.

WHEN TO SHOOT TETHERED TO A COMPUTER

When you have a roster prior to picture day

If you receive a roster prior to the shoot, you can eliminate post-shoot data entry and image alignment.

At a “controlled shoot” (preferably indoors)

If you are sure about the weather, do not require the flexibility to move around a lot and have access to power for a computer, tethered photography is a viable option.

Advantages of Tethered Photography

No Post-Shoot Data Entry

Immediate Shipment to the Lab

Ability to Produce On-Site Services

Commentary: I completely agree that if the photographer chooses to use a computer on-site, he can deliver greater value to the school – if everything goes as planned and his crew is top notch. But that’s the big question, isn’t it? Can he put crews together to make it all work?

Disadvantages of Tethered Photography

More To Do – Either the photographer or an assistant will have to press a few keystrokes or click a few buttons, but with good preparation, very little need be done for each subject.

The Expense of a Computer/Assistant – Each camera setup will need a computer and an assistant, if desired. Most photographers are comfortable without another person.

Higher Likelihood of Hardware Problems – The more hardware a photographer brings to a shoot, the more likely of something breaking or being stolen.

Commentary: The question is, 'Have your customers really told you how significant these issues may be for them?' They have told me the three issues you list here are very significant barriers to entry into the digital marketplace. They have trouble staffing additional analog photography crews. Digital throws another wrench in the works because finding the talent is tougher and it costs more. If it was your money, would you be comfortable sending these photographers out into the field to your biggest high school with software / hardware that was anything less than bulletproof? So we have to ask ourselves, 'Are we doing everything in our power to lower the barriers to entry?'

RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE FOR SHOOTING UNTETHERED

There are two popular methods for shooting untethered (without a computer):

METHOD #1 (I receive a roster, but do not what to shoot tethered to a computer)

Import roster into PhotoLynx® School Pictures Software

Assign all subjects a unique Record number.

Print barcode labels for all subjects in roster.

Optionally print some extra “blank” barcodes for subjects not on the roster.

At the shoot, keep envelopes with barcode labels on them in order shot.

After the shoot, download images from camera(s) into CamLynx®

Import the roster from PhotoLynx® School Pictures Software into CamLynx®

For every subject:

Scan barcode to look up next subject

Click on image(s)

Select package(s)

Save

Note: For subjects not in the original roster, some subject data entry is required.

METHOD #2 (No Roster in Advance)

At the shoot, keep envelopes in order shot. Possibly stamp sequential number on envelopes.

After the shoot, download images from camera(s) into CamLynx®

Start a new job in CamLynx® with an empty database

For every subject

Add subject data from envelope (with a single click)

Click on image(s)

Select package(s)

Save

Commentary: This mainly has to do with sports shooters who will substitute digital photography for 35mm short roll film. They stand to gain a lot through the transition.

RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE FOR SHOOTING TETHERED

Import roster into PhotoLynx® School Pictures Software

Assign all subjects a unique record number.

Print barcode labels for all subjects in roster.

Optionally print some extra “blank” barcodes for subjects not on the roster.

Export roster from PhotoLynx® School Pictures Software

At the shoot, Import roster into CamLynx

At the shoot, for every subject:

Scan barcode to look up next subject

Take picture(s) – Images auto-selected

Select package(s)

Save – CamLynx can auto-print services if set to do so.

Note: For subjects not in the original roster, some data entry is required either at the shoot or later.